Simplify Your Environmental Health Message Most people living in the U.S. are not able to interpret scientific information. Simplify your data and messages so decision-makers and your community can easily understand and use your information to make healthy decisions.
Know Before You Go KNOW your audience. Consider what their science literacy level may be, what is important to them, and what they may know (or not know) about your topic. KNOW your goal. Write down what you want your audience to think, feel, and do differently after they hear your message. Keep this top-of-mind when preparing your key message. KNOW your key message. Summarize the most important part of your message in 1-3 sentences. Include this at the start of your conversation or written message. Use 6th Grade Science Level Unless you know otherwise, assume your audience’s science literacy level is around 6th grade. A 6th grade science curriculum covers parts of a cell, human organs, plant ecosystem, water cycle, periodic table. Skip Acronyms In the world of environmental health, there are acronyms for most everything. But the more we use these shortcuts, the less clear our ideas are in simple English. Also avoid using technical terms. If you must, define them before you use them.
I be er look up what these Commissioners think about PFAS.
Oh WOW! One of these
Commissioners is a retired firefighter. I be er make sure I can explain the risk of PFAS to streams & lakes.
Harry Potter series is written at a 5th-6th grade reading level
54% of adults in the U.S. read below 6th grade reading level
PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
They are “ forever chemicals. ” Like a ta oo, they are persistent and hard to remove.
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